nt about her, a finality in her tone that unsettled him. He almost turned back, but his phone

portant things

o. That was it. The absolute, final end. There was

s she was walking out of the hospi

of genuine regret. "My flight was delayed. A storm

and was surprised to find he

a," he promised. "I wouldn

t's over," she said. "T

ise," h

aking creation in royal blue, the color of power and rebirth. She rested,

met with her parents in a

king a deep breath. "I'm callin

er, his eyes full of concern. "Are you sure, Ch

want to announce my engagem

other smiled. "We always liked that boy.

kes you happy, then we support you. To

know she was carrying l

ace. Her table was at the front, next to the Barnes family. Bryant was already th

n't even spar

ive the traditional birthday speech approache

ng garage. O

p of water, and walked to the sta

. "Tonight is not just my birthday. It's also a night for a speci

eyes. He probably thought she was about to make a sc

d. Kalia was ge

him to sit down, but Bryant igno

ping him in his tracks. "Are you sure you w

moment, she saw him hesitate. Bu

," he said coldly, and walked out o

e last, stubborn thread conn

the back of the room, where Jaden had just entered. He

e ringing with newfound freedom. "I have an announcement. The e

gasp went thr

ed toward the stage, "I am overjoyed to announce my en